With Christmas a couple of days away, and Chanukah just behind us, I got to thinking about why I love giving (and getting!) books as gifts. And I realized that the reasoning behind it is that you are not just giving the person receiving the gift a cover and a bunch of pages. It is so much more than that. So, without further ado... My list of why books are the best gifts:
1. You are actually gifting a long trip. Reading a book is like taking a vacation. It can be exciting, thrilling, scary, romantic, fantastical, or any number of things depending on the genre. Reading transports you into the world of the characters, and your mind goes on a journey wherever the author imagined.
2. A book is a portable escape pod. If you're stuck in a boring situation, break out the book. Now that long wait at the doctor's office isn't so deadly. That subway ride, or bus ride is now an opportunity to find out what happens next! If you're going on an actual trip via airplane, that book just became the easiest way to pass the time (and you won't have to stow it for takeoff or landing!)
3. This is the best way to introduce friends and family to your latest interest/obsession! The holidays are the best time to give those you love the best gift: a mutual fandom! You know that book that you couldn't put down, and you couldn't stop talking about all the time? Pass it on via a lovely wrapped present with a snazzy bow on top. They'll definitely be thanking you later! I have done this countless times, and people are most appreciative.
4. It's a cost effective way to give someone the adventure of a lifetime! Paying for a gift certificate to go sky diving can be a bit pricey. However, that latest thriller can get their heart racing just as effectively, and it looks so much nicer under a tree then a plain old envelope.
5. The smell! I don't know about you, but I find nothing better than cracking open a good book and rifling the pages to get that beautiful booky paper smell. There's just something about it that lifts my spirits. If I could bottle it, I would. And then, I found someone did!
1. You are actually gifting a long trip. Reading a book is like taking a vacation. It can be exciting, thrilling, scary, romantic, fantastical, or any number of things depending on the genre. Reading transports you into the world of the characters, and your mind goes on a journey wherever the author imagined.
2. A book is a portable escape pod. If you're stuck in a boring situation, break out the book. Now that long wait at the doctor's office isn't so deadly. That subway ride, or bus ride is now an opportunity to find out what happens next! If you're going on an actual trip via airplane, that book just became the easiest way to pass the time (and you won't have to stow it for takeoff or landing!)
3. This is the best way to introduce friends and family to your latest interest/obsession! The holidays are the best time to give those you love the best gift: a mutual fandom! You know that book that you couldn't put down, and you couldn't stop talking about all the time? Pass it on via a lovely wrapped present with a snazzy bow on top. They'll definitely be thanking you later! I have done this countless times, and people are most appreciative.
4. It's a cost effective way to give someone the adventure of a lifetime! Paying for a gift certificate to go sky diving can be a bit pricey. However, that latest thriller can get their heart racing just as effectively, and it looks so much nicer under a tree then a plain old envelope.
5. The smell! I don't know about you, but I find nothing better than cracking open a good book and rifling the pages to get that beautiful booky paper smell. There's just something about it that lifts my spirits. If I could bottle it, I would. And then, I found someone did!
Guys! My birthday is in less than two months!
6. It doesn't have to be a novel. Books span all interests. You know a chef? Cook book! You know someone who loves travel? Tavelogue! You know an artist? Sketchbook! Or an art history book! The possibilities are endless. You have that hard to buy for person who doesn't give you any hints? Look at the humour section, or non-fiction. There must be something that will peak their interest.
7. Kids love reading. I know that it's always said that it's hard to get kids to read. But I've long felt that if parents start by reading to them, the love of it will follow. Young kids flock to picture books filled with brightly coloured illustrations and pictures. Plus there are the look and finds, as well as books like the ones by Herve Tullet that kids can use as games and explore on their own.
7. Kids love reading. I know that it's always said that it's hard to get kids to read. But I've long felt that if parents start by reading to them, the love of it will follow. Young kids flock to picture books filled with brightly coloured illustrations and pictures. Plus there are the look and finds, as well as books like the ones by Herve Tullet that kids can use as games and explore on their own.
My kids have spent hours playing with this.
8. If you want to look for something fancier that no one else will get, you can go second hand or rare. While for most, books can be an affordable gift choice, it can also go the other way. My one luxury item that I save up for and get myself has been first edition books. I am currently working on acquiring all the first editions of Maurice Leblanc's Arsene Lupin series. If you have that special someone, a beautiful rare, leather bound book can be a very sexy present.
9. Usually the book is better. Did someone love the movie? Gift them the book. This lets them relive the story over and over until the bluray comes out. Also, it allows them to see the story through different perspectives, and can fill in whatever plot was left out to make the streamlined running time.
10. It's the gift that keeps on giving. Books can be reread over and over again. They're like old friends who never let you down, who will always be there. Whether you're revisiting the halls of Hogwarts, redoing old recipes, being chased by dinosaurs on Isla Nublar, or looking up what to do along the I-75, they will be there for you on the shelf, in your bag, or on the bedside table.
9. Usually the book is better. Did someone love the movie? Gift them the book. This lets them relive the story over and over until the bluray comes out. Also, it allows them to see the story through different perspectives, and can fill in whatever plot was left out to make the streamlined running time.
10. It's the gift that keeps on giving. Books can be reread over and over again. They're like old friends who never let you down, who will always be there. Whether you're revisiting the halls of Hogwarts, redoing old recipes, being chased by dinosaurs on Isla Nublar, or looking up what to do along the I-75, they will be there for you on the shelf, in your bag, or on the bedside table.
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